Outlast 2 is rolling out with patch today that includes a brand new Story Mode. The game has developed quite the notoriety for being a terrifying experience, so this patch promises to bring the tension down a couple of notches.
In Story Mode, the challenges are minimal, enemies are more scarce, and more breathing room is given to further amplify the atmosphere without overwhelming the player with the dangers that usually loom behind most corners. Enemies specifically have been nerfed, with a reduction in speed, damage, and perception being implemented into the few the players will encounter. Though, the developers still maintain that this Story Mode is not necessarily an easy mode, but more so a vessel for those who want to play Outlast 2 with a guaranteed break from the usual heart-pounding terror. This means players can still die, so playing to the best of one’s ability is still imperative.
The pacing of the game has also been slowed down a bit for this patch, which will offer players more room for exploration, and break the usual chases for one’s life. The team has also specified that various tidbits have been reinstated that were originally taken out of the base game to avoid an Adult Only rating. According to them, these changes aren’t necessarily drastic, and don’t impact gameplay, but are included to add some new flavor that was part of their initial vision.
This patch seems like a particularly great stepping stone for players who don’t take well to horror. Those players can now test the waters with this Story Mode that offers minimal scares, and see how they fair before moving on to the full-fledged horrors of the base game.